Cold Weather Workout Tips with Mizuno #BreathThermo

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.

They are calling for snow in the forecast this week. Snow. I haven't seen, touched or felt cold crisp air in years. I'm excited for a real winter and all of the different weather changes that come with it. Getting outside for runs has been challenging with all of the rain that we get here in Washington.

I have managed to figure out how to get my workouts in despite the weather and I'm going to share my secrets with you today.

Secret One:  Get the proper workout attire for cooler weather. Your workout will be cut short if you are too cold and wet. Catching a cold isn't an option for busy Moms like us so we have to be dressed appropriately while running. I like the Breath Thermo line by Mizuno. This shirt generates heat using moisture from my body. It's lightweight and it stays dry. I wish I had this shirt in every color. Maybe Santa will see this post and gift them to me. I've been a really good girl this year.

Oh. And I don't want to forget to share that the gloves I'm wearing have storage pockets! Don't we love surprise pockets?! They also have a swipe finger making it easy to manage your running playlist.

Secret Two:  Have a plan. This one might be a no brainer but you have to plan your workouts. I plan for the entire week. There's a weekly calendar on my fridge that manages my entire life. If you're ever at my house and want to get all up in my business read that thing. You'll find our family meal plan for the week and my workouts for each day right there with all of our appointments. I don't skip it if it's on that calendar.

Secret Three: Keep it simple. Try following the same workout plan for an entire month. I like alternating between cardio and strength/toning workouts. For example, M/W/F might be toning days and T/Th/Sat might be cardio days. I also limit my workout time to 30 minutes a day. The only exception to this is when I run or attend a group fitness class.

Secret Four:  Don't take December off. This time of year isn't exactly fitness focused. Do you know what that means? That means your favorite running trails, machines and classes will have low attendance and more space for you! This is the perfect time to learn a new machine at the gym, try a new class or discover a new running route. When January comes you'll already be so ahead of the curve. Don't wait for 2017. Start now!

Does cuffing season keep you from getting Summertime fine? It doesn't have to. Check out the #BreathThermo line from Mizuno to stay warm and dry. Let's push through the cold weather season together. What's your favorite cold weather workout?

Moses is ONE!

Moses turned one over the weekend! Can you believe how fast time has gone by? I feel like I just had him. My little #grandfinalebaby is doing so well. I actually have to remind myself of his birth story sometimes.

We had a very low-key celebration for his birthday. If you follow the Facebook page you know that my kids had a vomiting spell. That spell morphed into some virus that hit us all. By the time I caught it I'm pretty sure it was the flu. 

After what seemed like the longest two weeks of my life our family is finally symptom free. Moses and I still have little coughing spells here and there but for the most part we are all doing so much better.

Due to the sickness being passed around and the lack of energy that went along with it we celebrated his birthday with homemade (from the box) cupcakes. All of the kids seemed happy with that. I am almost convinced that much of the pomp and circumstance of a kid's birthday has more to do with the parent than the kid.

I'm picking up on the fact that they are just as happy with these little at home family parties.

I'll still throw birthday parties though. Cause Mom guilt won't let me be that laid back and chill. 

Back to Moses - these days he's a dancing machine. His personality is so sweet and funny. He says Mama and Dada and he's very vocal with his baby talk. He can stand but he isn't walking just yet. Moses enjoys playing with his siblings and dragging all the tupperware out of the cabinets.

He's a good eater and sleeper. His top teeth are coming in and that's causing him some discomfort right now but other than that he's doing well.

He'll see his hematologist again during his 12 month well baby check up. If all of his blood work comes back okay they won't need to see him again for another year or so. 

I am so thankful for his good health and our health as a family. 

Holiday Gifting: Accessories For Every Woman

Can you believe that they are already playing Christmas movies on TV? Like, really? Many of the stores have started displaying trees, decorations and everything else you would need to make your holiday season merry and bright.

Since many of you are probably already putting together your gift list for friends and family I thought it would be fun to share some easy gift ideas for the women in your life.

Accessories are absolutely necessary to complete any look. Today I am going to share my faves with you.



Watch

Every woman needs a nice watch that can be worn everyday. Something that goes easily from day to night. The Jord Wood Watch that I have been crushing on lately goes perfectly with my wardrobe. Visit their site to check out their other styles for men and women. Jord is currently giving away a $20 e-gift code to all my readers when you enter to win a $75 voucher to buy a timepiece of your choice. Everyone wins!

Statement Necklace

Statement necklaces will never go out of style. They can be worn day or night with just about anything. I love the berry color necklace featured in the pic above. It's perfect for this time of year.

Ear Rings

Leaving the house without ear rings is an instant buzz kill. Ear rings take ANY look to the next level. Even if you're having a tee and jeans sort of day you can still rock some hoop ear rings or some beautiful statement ear rings. Love. Love. Love ear rings.

Sunglasses

My black aviator sunglasses are quite possibly one of the best purchases I made this year. They're prescription (cause I'm blind as a bat), affordable and super cute. I always feel so chic in them. These sunglasses also keep me looking stylish on the days when applying eye makeup seems like a ridiculous idea.

Favorite Lippie

So, this isn't exactly an accessory but it's still a very important part of any look. Every woman needs a go-to lip color. There are so many shades out there to choose from. Find one that looks good on you. Consider gifting a friend or sister a gift card to their favorite makeup counter. 

These are my everyday must-wear accessories. What's on your list? Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a $75 voucher from Jord Wood Watches. All of my readers will receive a $20 e-gift code for entering! Happy Shopping!

This post was sponsored by Jord Wood Watches.

Cool Watches

Giving Thanks: Our New Home

We are officially a month away from my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. I have always wanted to do one of those cute Thankful trees or Thanksgiving advent calendar with my family but I never seem to make it happen. Maybe I should head to Pinterest to find some DIY ideas...

Anyway. With Thanksgiving coming up I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I am thankful for. I have been such a bad blogger lately while working on my fitness business but I'm trying to find my balance and make more time for this space.

Today I am thankful for our new home. The place that covers my family's head and the beautiful area that surrounds it. I have never seen trees so big and tall. On a really clear day you can see great views of the mountains. Breathtaking. My iPhone pics don't do the scenery here justice. I'll go out one day with my real camera and get better shots.

There is also a calmness about living here that I think I needed. Maybe it's the rain but the vibe here is so calm and chill. It blows my mind when I here people say they don't like living in this area. There is tons to do. The first two pics from this post are from a trail I walked on Friday. It was perfect.

I am so thankful that we get to call this place home for the next couple years. It is my goal to explore and see as much as we can during our time here. I'll probably cry when my husband gets his next set of orders. I know a new adventure will be amazing but I can't imagine it getting any better than this.

What are you thankful for today?

Luvvie Ajayi's I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual

One of my goals this year was to read more books. I shared a couple books that I'm currently reading a few posts back. Today I want to share my most recent read with you, I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi, known around the internet as Awesomely Luvvie.

If you have never read her blog or clicked to follow her on social media you are messing out on so many things. First of all, she's funny. Like, so funny and so extremely smart. Her status updates, tweets and captions (and the comments of her followers) always give me the laugh (or gut check) I need to make it through the day.



She's like the funny co-worker I wish I had but since I'm a stay at home Mom I just have to pretend that we're cubicle besties thru the web. When she announced that she had written a book I knew I had to read it.

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It was everything that I thought it would be. Witty and real. She covers everything from friendships, Facebook behavior, racism and internet fame. Luvvie covers every relevant cultural topic of discussion as well as some of the not so important (but internet relevant) topics of pop culture in her book.

I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual is exactly what every person in the 65 and younger crowd needs. We have all had those moments where we've either said or done something we shouldn't have. Or maybe we have a friend that is constantly breaking all the "how to do life right" rules. This book points out the dos and don'ts in a way that is straight to the point and light hearted.

Grab her book for your coffee table or night stand (cause it's cute) and gift a copy to a friend so that we can all be on the same page about life. Follow Luvvie on social media to get your daily dose of act right.

Oh. And I just have to mention that Luvvie was listed on Oprah's (OPRAH!!!!) SuperSoul 100 list. So, if you were doubting my review just know that Oprah and I (cause she's another one of my cubicle besties) both recommend Luvvie's presence in your life. 😉

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Fall Style: The Blanket Scarf & The Rain Jacket

One day while getting sucked into the Pinterest abyss I discovered the blanket scarf. Sorry if I'm a little late to this cozy Fall staple party but I'm here now!

I was initially drawn to the plaid print that the scarves seem to come in. Then I fell in love with the multiple ways that this piece can be worn. There are tons of pins about the blanket scarf. 

I think my favorite way to wear it so far has been with a belt. You somehow manage to stay incredibly warm so you it's fashionable and it serves a purpose, yes!

I found this black blanket scarf while shopping online at Express. It comes with armholes which makes it easier to wear this look.

Pairing this with my super old (but great) Nine West over the knee boots pulled this look together instantly.

My Fall accessory style tends to be dark. I like warm golds and darker watches. This Ebony and Gold wooden timepiece from JORD was the perfect addition to my outfit. I'll be wearing it throughout the Fall and Winter.

Okay, so if you're not into the all black everything looks, don't worry. I wear color too. Sometimes.  

This blanket scarf is the quintessential Fall staple. From the colors to the fabric it's literally everything. I purchased this scarf from Unlikely Market. 

Worn alone or with my rain jacket (which is currently my favorite way to wear it) this scarf screams Fall to me and I absolutely love that. I really need to scoop up another color before she sells out.

My rain jacket is another Express pick up. I love the cut, drawstring waist and the quilted stitch on the shoulders. The convertible sleeves make it a great transitional piece that I'll be able to use in the Spring too.

I'm on the hunt for the perfect black hooded trench coat. There's one that I have my eye on but I'm waiting for the price on it to come down a little. It has a liner to keep me warm and dry as the temps continue to drop. If Santa got me that coat for Halloween I wouldn't be mad. At all.

So, that wraps up my favorite Fall items. I've literally had the same boots for years and I think I'll invest in some new boots next year.

What do you think of the blanket scarf trend? Have you worn one yet?

This post was sponsored by Jord Watches.

Fall Style: Cargo Vest & Rain Boots

You guys. Fall is here. I have been doing my happy Fall dance for a few weeks. All of the Fall fashion pieces I purchased recently have been slowly making their debuts and I am going to share them with you today and tomorrow.

It's not a huge fashion haul but they are my fave Fall staples that can be mixed and matched over and over. As a busy Mom it's super important to me that I'm able to quickly put outfits together on a budget.

Savannah and I at The Washington State Fair on Labor Day...

Like many of you, I get outfit inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram and magazines. I saw a cargo vest in the Costco (you read that right) magazine and instantly wanted one. I found the one I'm wearing on Amazon.

I like that it has a zipper, buttons, drawstring waist and a hood. Hoods are important. Hoods are bae.

Have you ever tried to hold a baby, wrangle a three year old and hold an umbrella?

It's not happening.



My splurge for this outfit are my rain boots. Yes, you could find an inexpensive option that does the job but I'd been eyeing Hunter rain boots for years and decided to finally treat myself.

Honestly, we've never lived anywhere that truly justified the purchase but we do now so I got m'boots!



What makes this outfit special to me are the earrings. They are so unexpected with this look. I got to pair a lot of things I really like here - all black, a functioning layering piece (because the pockets on this vest are also bae) and something sparkly.

Like my earrings? I figured you would so I'm giving away a gift card to Versona to a lucky reader to buy a pair (or something else)! Versona has tons of cute stuff for Fall, check them out.

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What have you been wearing now that the weather is cooler? What are your favorite Fall staples?

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Where Have You Been?

These past few weeks have been pretty quiet around here. Not in my real life off the computer - that's always pretty noisy. But this blog has been a ghost town. Sorry about that.

We've had family and friends visiting. My husband was away for work for a bit which means I didn't have anyone to photograph me pretending to be a model.

Things are back to normal though. All of our family and friends are back home and it's just the five of us again.

I have been spending a lot of time working on a plan to start teaching Cize. I had an interview on Monday that went well. I was hired to teach but...

There are a few things I need to do first that I wasn't anticipating. And when I mean to tell you this very short (but pricey) list of to-dos has completely knocked the wind out of my fitness sail...

Listen. I wasn't ready. No one told me. 

I am going to add things to this. Don't let people or things...

So after my interview I was prepared to come home, get on the internet and just swipe my life away to knock that list out. Then I heard a voice say, "Not today, Tia. Let's think about this." Then I got that unsettling feeling in my stomach because I knew God was about to tell me to do something other than "MY" plan.

And if I'm being truly transparent I probably had that side eye emoji look on my face. You see, I am very impatient. I like results. I like instant results. I like checking things off a check list and moving on. 

That was the old me. The new (still not perfect) me wants everything I do to be Spirit led. I want to make sure that I'm operating within God's plan for my life and so I'm just sitting here waiting for direction.

During my prayer and quiet time yesterday He told me to push back my start date (which is something I don't really want to do, LOL, but I'm gonna....) and to use my new gift/certification to help people. FOR.  FREE.

So as it turns out I shouldn't have allowed that list of to-dos to bother me because that whole interview wasn't necessarily God's plan for me right now.  Sometimes you have to wait. And listen. And learn. With a grateful heart. 

(And I am only saying these things because I need to tell them to myself)

Hopefully none of you are like me. I hope that you are all patient people who never try to rush into your purpose. But if you are like me know that you are not alone. I am learning to slow down. I am learning to not be bummed or have that achy feeling in my heart when things don't go the way I want them to.

So that's what I've been up to these past couple weeks. I had to quiet down my productivity time so that I could hear. I've heard.

Regular posts (with a couple giveaways) will resume (pinky swear) next week.

Thank you for being my sounding board. I'm looking forward to a new direction around here.

Thought Bubbles: 09272016

I'm back!

Not that I ever left but my family came to visit and I couldn't find time to blog...

I don't realize how great it must be to live near family until we have family in town...

Today something didn't go the way that I planned and it bothered me...

Mainly because I missed out on doing something else that I enjoy...

Everything happens for a reason I suppose...

I received my Cize Live certification I told you about a few weeks ago!...

I am now available for birthday parties, girl's day out, bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, family reunions etc....

I'm only slightly kidding about the bubble above...

The weather here is about to change from the beautiful Fall I've been loving to the dreary rain season everyone complains about...

Mikey and Moses are starting to play together more. It's nice to see...

My brother gifted me with some house plants this weekend...

And I found this mirror at Burlington Coat Factory for $20!!! WINNING!!!!.....

Slowly but surely this house is feeling more and more like a home...

Still can't decide on curtains for the living room though...

Mikey's mission in life is to get my decorative pumpkin within his reach...

I got lots of compliments on the Lularoe dress I wore to church Sunday...

Savannah took that pic and now that it is posted I realize the lighting is not the best...

This is why I'm not a fashion blogger...

But I do have a few fashion posts coming up so stay tuned for those, LOL!...

Welp, I guess I better start dinner before it's time for school pick up and ballet....

Oh, but before I go - Is it me or was that the shortest season of Power ever?

Healthy Wake-Up Routine

I have been compensated by Sundown Naturals® and Pollinate Media Group for this post as part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Sundown Naturals® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GoodnessGiveaway #sharethegoodness http://my-disclosur.es/OBstV

For the past three months I have been sharing my journey to a healthier me. Today I thought it would be fun to share my healthy wake-up routine. Hopefully this will encourage someone who is on the fence about starting their own healthy lifestyle.

As Moms, we sometimes forget to squeeze a little time in for ourselves. Over the summer I decided to start waking up before the kids to give myself some "me" time. The thought of waking up earlier than I had to made me cringe until I started seeing how awesome it made the rest of the day go.

My goal in the mornings is to kick start my day with a workout, a healthy breakfast, a shower and a few minutes to make sure my patience is fully charged. As you know, every morning I do a thirty minute workout based on my workout schedule for the month.

Working out first thing in the morning is my way of making sure I get it done. I get my workout in before the day gets in my way.

After my workout is done I grab a bottle of water and I heat my breakfast up. If you follow me on Snapchat you know I'm a fan of the almighty egg muffin. I make them on Sunday to heat and eat during the week, timesaver.

While my muffins are warming up I take my Sundown Naturals® Adult Gummy Vitamins. I'm currently taking the Multivitamins and the Biotin. The Biotin is an extra boost to my beauty routine and the multivitamin supports my new active lifestyle. I also like that the vitamins are gluten free adult gummies. I purchased them during a back to school trip to Walmart (this is the place to buy them for yourself AND vitamins for the entire family) and they have been a great addition to my routine. I love that the Sundown Naturals® vitamins are free of gluten, dairy and artificial flavors◊.

When breakfast is over I take a shower and prepare for the day. I get dressed, watch a bit of the news and take a few minutes to enjoy the peace before the business of the day takes over. My mornings are calm and peaceful and that sets the tone for my entire day.

When I'm fully charged and feeling relaxed I'm a better person to be around and I'm sure my kids

enjoy that.

How do your mornings start? Try waking up an hour before your little ones to give yourself sometime to get the day started. Consider getting in a workout and having a healthy breakfast.

Take this quiz to see which Sundown Naturals® Gummies are right for you. Enter the Goodness Giveaway Sweepstakes today! Head into Walmart and purchase at least 1 Sundown Naturals® vitamin product for a chance to win weekly prize packages and a grand prize! Every week, one winner will be selected to choose from 1 of 4 prize packs – Yogi Pack, Fitness Pack, Foodie Pack, or a $100 Walmart Gift Card. Simply upload a picture of your receipt here and you are entered for a chance to win some incredible prizes now through 11/1!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ◊Applies to all products manufactured after 5/1/15. Please check back of label as manufacture dates may vary.

Baby Boy Fall Fashion

This post is sponsored by Carter's; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Fall arrived a bit earlier than I expected here in the Pacific Northwest. And because you know how much I love Fall I was not mad about that one bit.

As I searched through the box of Mikey's baby clothes it quickly occurred to me that there was nothing Moses could wear right now. So we headed to Carter's to pick up some Fall fashion favorites.

Fall is all about layering. If you're not great at putting outfits together, don't worry. Carter's has sets in their littles collection® already put together for you. You can mix and match the sets to make several different outfits like I do for Moses.

The perfect layering piece for babies is The Original Bodysuit by Carter's. Mo lives in these. They are great to wear around the house to play and perfect for wearing underneath vests and sweaters.

When shopping for your little one consider getting the multi pack of bodysuits. Try picking a set that goes with your baby's overall wardrobe. I like getting solid colors and they make outfit building easy.

Doesn't Moses look so cute in this set? I love the vest!

Another way to wear this would be to swap the shirt out for a bodysuit.

I am really into graphic bodysuits for him too. It is a must when shopping at Carter's to scan the doorbuster sales table. This is where I grab a lot of comfy clothes for play time. When I saw this dinosaur print I knew we had to have it.

Take this coupon and this list with you to help build your baby's Fall wardrobe...

Did you participate in the Carter's #originalbodysuitsweepstakes last week? Be sure to follow them on Twitter to be kept up to date about new styles, promotions and fun contests!

You can participate in the Carter's "Pin Baby Pin" by uploading your favorite Carter's baby's first look here. The contest will end 9/26. 75 people will be randomly selected to each win a $50 Carter's gift card. Good luck!

Don't forget to use the coupon and the list when you shop. Outfitting baby for Fall can be super easy and affordable. What are some of your favorite Fall staples for baby?